Guidebook for Orkney
Sightseeing
Guided tour of large Neolithic Tomb, contains the largest collection of Viking runes outside of Scandinavia
13 locals recommend
Maeshowe
Stoneyhill RoadGuided tour of large Neolithic Tomb, contains the largest collection of Viking runes outside of Scandinavia
Largest and most important ongoing archeological excavation of a neolithic site in western Europe, guided tours throughout the summer digging season.
8 locals recommend
Ness of Brodgar
B9055Largest and most important ongoing archeological excavation of a neolithic site in western Europe, guided tours throughout the summer digging season.
Small stone circle, guided tours of the stones and Barnhouse village beyond it - see Historic Scotland website for details.
16 locals recommend
Standing Stones of Stenness
Small stone circle, guided tours of the stones and Barnhouse village beyond it - see Historic Scotland website for details.
Large stone circle. Car park has a timeline interpretation display showing Orkney sites in relation to other world events.
31 locals recommend
Ring of Brodgar
B9055Large stone circle. Car park has a timeline interpretation display showing Orkney sites in relation to other world events.
Probably the most famous 'must see' neolithic site. The visitor centre has a mock-up of one of the houses which gives a real idea of what living conditions were.
42 locals recommend
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
Probably the most famous 'must see' neolithic site. The visitor centre has a mock-up of one of the houses which gives a real idea of what living conditions were.
Iron age Broch and later dwellings set on the shoreline overlooking Rousay. Open all of the time so can be visited in the evening.
20 locals recommend
Broch of Gurness
AikernessIron age Broch and later dwellings set on the shoreline overlooking Rousay. Open all of the time so can be visited in the evening.
Early viking settlement. Access by causeway which is only open a few hours either side of low tide. Take the footpath up to the lighthouse to view cliffs and seabirds.
23 locals recommend
Brough of Birsay
Early viking settlement. Access by causeway which is only open a few hours either side of low tide. Take the footpath up to the lighthouse to view cliffs and seabirds.
Kitchener Memorial commemorating the loss of HMS Hampshire in 1916. RSPB reserve and seabird colonies on the cliffs.
7 locals recommend
Marwick Head
Kitchener Memorial commemorating the loss of HMS Hampshire in 1916. RSPB reserve and seabird colonies on the cliffs.
Fantastic cliff scenery - go in a westerly gale to experience the sea at it's wildest! Good walking conditions both north and south. Primula Scotica can be seen in late spring.
9 locals recommend
Yesnaby
Yesnaby RoadFantastic cliff scenery - go in a westerly gale to experience the sea at it's wildest! Good walking conditions both north and south. Primula Scotica can be seen in late spring.
St Magnus Cathedral, Earl's Palace, Museum, shops, pubs and restaurants. Guided tours recommended, check at the tourist centre.
13 locals recommend
Kirkwall
St Magnus Cathedral, Earl's Palace, Museum, shops, pubs and restaurants. Guided tours recommended, check at the tourist centre.
Chapel built by Italian POWs working on the Churchill Barriers during WW2. Painted interior and fittings made from scrap metal.
26 locals recommend
Italian Chapel
Chapel built by Italian POWs working on the Churchill Barriers during WW2. Painted interior and fittings made from scrap metal.
Neolithic Tomb on the cliffs of S. Ronaldsay. Small museum and visitor centre where you will receive a short talk prior to walking to the tomb via an iron age house.
12 locals recommend
Tomb of the Eagles Visitor Centre
Neolithic Tomb on the cliffs of S. Ronaldsay. Small museum and visitor centre where you will receive a short talk prior to walking to the tomb via an iron age house.
Small village with craft shops and cafes. Home of The Creel restaurant noted for great seafood.
Saint Margaret's Hope
Small village with craft shops and cafes. Home of The Creel restaurant noted for great seafood.
The main museum covering WW1 and WW2 military operations in and around Scapa Flow. Guided walks are run during the summer taking in the whole of the wartime installations in Lyness.
Lyness Interpretation Centre
The main museum covering WW1 and WW2 military operations in and around Scapa Flow. Guided walks are run during the summer taking in the whole of the wartime installations in Lyness.
Food Scene
Great seafood, fantastic views and close to the Tomb of the Eagles and recently opened Tomb of the Otters.
6 locals recommend
Skerries Bistro
Great seafood, fantastic views and close to the Tomb of the Eagles and recently opened Tomb of the Otters.
About 3 miles from Bedrock, ideal for your evening meal. Restaurant and bar meals, large portions but you can order a 'child' size. Overlooks Harray loch.
13 locals recommend
Merkister Hotel
About 3 miles from Bedrock, ideal for your evening meal. Restaurant and bar meals, large portions but you can order a 'child' size. Overlooks Harray loch.
Our other 'local' hotel offering both restaurant and bar meals. Good selection of local produce used.
The Standing Stones Hotel
A965Our other 'local' hotel offering both restaurant and bar meals. Good selection of local produce used.